This disease has not been observed or reported recently on Long Island. However, damping off and root rot of spinach are considered to occur commonly in the Northeast and the causal fungal and oomycete pathogens (Rhizoctonia, Pythium as well as Fusarium) are considered to be common soil inhabitants. Fusarium root rot may be occurring at low enough incidence to not be a concern due to unfavorable conditions for disease development and/or effective management.
The following images of affected plants were taken before 1988; photographer not known. The brown discolored vascular system inside the taproot is characteristic of Fusarium root rot, as is general lack of external symptoms.
Posted March 2024.
